KATHMANDU, July 18: Ambica Shrestha, the esteemed founder of Dwarika’s Hotel in Battisputali, Kathmandu, has passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. She breathed her last at Mediciti Hospital in Lalitpur after battling pneumonia and rheumatism for the past two months, according to her family members.
Shrestha’s journey was one of remarkable resilience and vision, deeply intertwined with the life and legacy of her late husband, Dwarika Das Shrestha. She emerged as a trailblazer in Nepal's tourism and cultural restoration realms.
Born in Sikkim in 1932, Ambica moved to Kathmandu after marrying Dwarika Das Shrestha in 1955. Together, they established Kathmandu Travels and Tours, making their forays into the country’s nascent tourism industry during King Birendra's coronation in the 1970s.
In 1952, Dwarika Das Shrestha’s chance encounter with artisans sawing off ancient wood carvings ignited their shared passion for cultural preservation. Together, they embarked on a journey to restore Nepal’s architectural heritage. This passion led to the establishment of Dwarika’s Hotel, registered formally in 1977. Over the decades, they expanded their enterprise, culminating in the Dwarika’s Hotel and Resort in Dhulikhel.
Ambica Shrestha, owner of Dwarika’s Hotel, passes away at 92
With a remarkable career of 65 years in the hotel and tourism industry, Shrestha was not just a hotelier but a pioneering figure for women’s empowerment in Nepal. In an era when few Nepali women pursued careers outside the home, she stood out as a beacon of change.
Her leadership extended beyond Dwarika’s Hotel; she was the founding president of the Federation of Business and Professional Women Nepal and played a pivotal role in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and cultural heritage conservation.
After her husband’s demise in 1992, Shrestha continued to lead Dwarika’s Hotel with unwavering determination. Under her guidance, the hotel expanded from its humble beginnings to achieving global recognition. The hotel is celebrated for its architectural splendor and commitment to preserving Nepal’s rich cultural history.
Shrestha’s legacy goes beyond hospitality. She was a champion of causes that reached across borders, serving as an honorary consul for Spain and actively engaging in social and cultural initiatives. Her tireless efforts earned her numerous accolades, including recognition from the Nepal government for her contributions to tourism and heritage conservation.
Throughout her life, Shrestha remained deeply committed to her community and country, advocating passionately for women’s rights and the preservation of Nepal’s diverse cultural heritage. Even in her later years, overcoming kidney problems and stomach cancer, she remained dedicated to entrepreneurship and social service. During the 2015 earthquake, approximately 400 displaced individuals from Sindhupalchok found shelter for over a year, thanks to her quiet support. She continued aiding the affected families until they could safely return home.
Her passing leaves a significant void in Nepal’s tourism industry and cultural landscape. Her departure to the eternal journey also leaves a void in Nepal’s philanthropy sector. Yet, her indomitable spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
A memorial service to honor Shrestha's life and contributions is scheduled for Friday morning at Pashupati Aryaghat. She is survived by two daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
